Lionel Messi scored his sixth consecutive goal as Inter Miami advanced to the final of the U.S.-Mexico League Cup (LigueScup).
Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 4-1 on Saturday (June 16) at Subaru Park in Philadelphia, U.S.A., to advance to the final of the 2023 LigueCup, the first time the club has reached the final since its inception.
Miami came out firing. In the first three minutes, Josef Martinez found the back of the net with a powerful shot off a long pass from Sergi Kripchow. In the 20th minute, Lionel Messi added to the lead with a low, mid-range shot. It was Messi’s sixth goal in six games and ninth in his Miami career.
Miami’s onslaught continued. In first-half stoppage time, Robert Taylor intercepted a ball in the box and fed Jordi Alba, who was cutting back down the left side, and Alba slotted the ball into the opposite goal. David Luiz added an insurance goal in the 39th minute to send Miami to its first-ever final, beating a Philadelphia side that could only muster a one-goal comeback.
A tough matchup was expected. Philadelphia was a powerhouse in the MLS Eastern Conference. Philadelphia finished first in the MLS Eastern Conference last season and are in third place this season. But Miami pulled off the upset, converting all four of their shots on goal.
Barcelona players are shaking up American soccer. Messi has scored in every game he has played since joining Miami on March 16, leading the club from last place in the league to the League Cup final. Sergio Busquets and Alba, who joined the team this summer, 안전놀이터 also contributed on both sides of the ball to help the team reach the final.
Miami will face the winner of the quarterfinals between Monterrey, Mexico, and Nashville, USA, for the championship on May 19.